2024/2025 Venite University Orientation Programme, Day 4: Cavista Holdings, Director of Community Engagement, Alhaji Dauda Lawal (ADL) shares his thrilling journey to stardom

The morning session commenced with an impassioned address by Mr. Samuel Lowen, the University’s Facilities Coordinator, who underscored the paramount importance of hygiene in tandem with Venite University’s guiding principle, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness’’. His words resonated deeply with the students, still basking in the afterglow of the previous day’s session.

Mr. Kayode Aladegbehingbe, introduced the medical team, led by the erudite Dr. Ayodeji Atunramu, the University’s Chief Medical Director. Accompanying him were the distinguished Dr. Mrs. Oye and other esteemed medical professionals.

Dr. Atunramu imparted invaluable medical tips, empowering the students to lead healthy, hygienic lives on campus. He also provided sage advice on managing complicated health conditions, assuring them that Venite University boasts state-of-the-art health infrastructure, guaranteeing confidentiality and exceptional care.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole, the University’s Director of Strategy, Advancement and Partnership, urged the freshers to imbibe the Boys Scout’s motto, “Be Prepared,” as he introduced the distinguished personality, Alhaji Dauda Lawal (ADL). A paragon of success and a proud son of Isan-Ekiti, ADL’s remarkable trajectory, from humble beginnings to becoming a respected figure in both the public and private sectors, served as a powerful inspiration to the students.

As the Director of Community Engagements and Corporate Communications at Cavista Holdings, ADL’s accomplishments embody the University’s mission to foster excellence and emulate success. With his characteristic suaveness, ADL urged the fresh students to eschew their secondary school vice and fervently embark on a transformative journey, as postulated by the venerable philosopher, John Locke.

He cautioned the students against the perils of distraction, particularly from social media, emphasizing the importance of focusing on their academic pursuits. He also extolled the virtues of the e-library and YouTube as invaluable resources for acquiring skills and knowledge.

He further admonished the students to emulate the exemplary determination of luminaries like Gani Fawehinmi and Olu Fajemirokun, who have achieved remarkable success through unwavering dedication and perseverance.

In a fascinating anecdote, ADL recounted how an idea he gleaned from a newspaper article used to wrap bean cakes yielded substantial remuneration for him from a respected institution . He exhorted the students to capitalize on every opportunity to learn and innovate, urging them to embrace the ideology of the latin word “tabula rasa” in their pursuit to cultivate a mindset receptive to novel ideas and experiences.

Hon. Dapo Kolawole emphasized the University’s commitment to secularism, welcoming students from diverse religious backgrounds. In an interactive session, seven students who excelled in the question-and-answer session received cash awards.

Towards the end of the program, Dr. Nike Kolawole advised the students to utilize the University’s platforms judiciously and to avoid undue haste in their pursuit of success. Instead, she counseled them to emulate the exemplary determination of successful individuals in society.

The students were visibly energized and inspired by the day’s proceedings. Many expressed admiration for Alhaji Dauda Lawal’s (ADL) remarkable story, finding his journey from modest beginnings to prominence both relatable and motivating. The interactive session, punctuated with engaging discussions and thought-provoking insights, left the students brimming with optimism about their potentials.

The cash awards for outstanding participants added an element of excitement and encouraged active involvement throughout the event. As the session concluded, the students conveyed their gratitude to the speakers, vowing to integrate the wisdom shared into their academic and personal lives.

The sense of purpose and enthusiasm was palpable, with many students committing to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, and innovation championed during the program.